London Neighbourhoods: Our Guide to Shoreditch

By Megan Hills

See the highlights of one of London's trendiest neighbourhoods with our guide to Shoreditch

Shoreditch is the beating cultural heart of East London and never fails to capture the hearts of locals and travellers alike. This vibrant neighbourhood overflows with creativity, colour and some of the most interesting people you'll see in London. With so much to see and do, here's a quick guide to Shoreditch for travellers.

Image via Queen of Hoxton facebook

Queen of Hoxton

What's a London neighbourhood without a local watering hole? The Queen of Hoxton is one of Shoreditch's stalwarts, spanning over several floors and a beautiful rooftop that fills up quickly on a crisp summer's day. With ping pong tables, crazy rooftop installations (which have at one point included a gigantic tipi, rainbow tower and a graffitied car for photo ops) as well as alcoholic slushies, it buzzes with creative energy and the music is always on point. You'll even here the occasional Cockney rhyming slang, which will be an experience unto itself.

Breaking news! #beigelbake #saltybeef now with #pickles!!! 😱😋👌 #bricklane #innovation

A post shared by Solaris100 (@solaris100) on Apr 4, 2017 at 5:42pm PDT

Beigel Bake

Don't mistake this Jewish bakery for the yellow one next door - this famous 24 hour bakery can be recognised by its white luminous sign and blue lettering. Best known for their hearty salt beef bagels, their recipe consists of a thick slice of succulent beef, a crunchy pickle and a generous helping of mustard slathered across a bagel. Always a favourite with the late night party crowd, they also serve sweet treats like apple strudels and cheesecake.

To be continued #graffiti #wallpainting #art #bricklane #london 🎩🌂

A post shared by @vvdvvdvoo on Apr 7, 2017 at 2:52am PDT

Graffiti

Shoreditch is littered with graffiti by some of the best street artists in the world and you'll regularly see tour groups stopping and staring at some of its more notable works. With the likes of Stik, Otto Schade and others transforming the neighbourhood's walls, one of the most iconic pieces of the neighbourhood is Belgian artist ROA's gigantic crane which symbolises the strong Bengali community in the area. Find out more about Shoreditch's street art here.

Sexy cinema Sundays 😍 #sohohouse #portobello #electriccinema

A post shared by samphireandsalsify (@samphireandsalsify) on Apr 2, 2017 at 1:51am PDT

Electric Cinema

Make your movie night a spectacular one at Electric Cinema, an indie theatre where moviegoers can relax in couches, blankets and a cheeky glass of wine while watching blockbusters or little known arthouse films. If you're looking to save a couple of quid, pick the seats around the edges that have a slightly angled view as they're available for a reduced price.

Small but mighty! 🍔💪🏽@bleeckerburger

A post shared by The Restaurant Society (@rest.society) on Apr 6, 2017 at 11:19am PDT

Indulge in Shoreditch's fantastic street food selections

Shoreditch teems with talented street chefs and street food markets, which makes choosing a midday snack something of a challenge. Try one of Bleecker Street's incredible cheeseburgers which includes a layer of black pudding for a bit of a twist at Old Spitalfields Market, Japanese hot dogs at Pump Street Market or grab a pint of cider at BOXPARK while relaxing on its picnic benches on a sunny day. See our full guide to London street food markets here.

Image via Rokit Vintage facebook

Dress like a Londoner at Shoreditch's many vintage and boutique stores

Shoreditch is well-known for its fashion forward residents and its eclectic clothing stores are always a sartorial adventure. Whether you're combing through the racks for a bargain find at Rok It Vintage, Blitz or Absolute Vintage or discovering the pop up boutiques at BOXPARK, you're sure to find a unique piece that will be the envy of all your friends.

Continue reading

Blog

Dry January: Sober Fun In London

Admit it, you overindulged over Christmas. We all did. It's OK. And now, after days and days of heavy hilarity, you're struggling. Those trousers don't fit, that blouse is a little tighter. You've somehow caught freshers flu even though you graduated a decade ago. So, like the mindful grown-up you are, you've decided to go dry for January. But the thought dawns on you. Are things only fun...with alcohol? Well, you'll be pleased to hear that, no, a life abstaining from booze can actually be pretty fun. The nation's capital is positively brimming with fun, sober experiences. Here are the best things to do in London this Jan for those of you undertaking Dry January. Featuring: Walking tours to get the blood pumping and the waistline trim Tasty treats for Veganuary Some mindful alcoholic treats at Truman Brewery Culture your newly energised brain at a museum And many more! Walk tall, you sober star Why not kick-off 2020 with a leisurely stroll around London? A Walking Tour is the perfect way to breathe in some of that "fresh" London air, knock off a pound or two, and experience some of the amazing locations from your favourite films, TV shows, and books. There's a Harry Potter Walking Tour, which takes budding wizards on a winding walk through many of the property's highlights. You'll discover Diagon Alley, Grimmauld Place, and cross many of the real London locations where epic battles and chases took place. Or, if you're looking for something a little more macabre, set off by gaslight on a Jack the Ripper Walking Tour. Trace his trail of terror through East London, weaving through the streets of Whitechapel. And while the tour ends at the Ten Bells pub, simply refrain from the booze and ask for something a little less calorific instead. Like water. Because that's what your body really wants. These are just two of the many walking tours you can take in and around London, so find the one that suits you and on you hop, apprentice. Namco Funscape: fun by name, fun by nature Remember when you were a kid, and the opportunity to gallivant around an entertainment arcade made your summer holidays? Well, you can recapture that feeling. And just like a kid, you can do it sober. Namco Funscape is one of the largest arcades in the capital. Along with classic arcade offerings like fighters, racing games and lightgun shooters, they also have a huge amount of alternative entertainment on offer. Once you've inevitably failed at all the videogames you could have sworn you were good at, there's a dodgems track, ten pin bowling, ping pong, an escape room, and even a pool hall. All in one place. You are very welcome. And best of all, many of these activities get you tokens. And with enough tokens, you can mosey on over to the gift shop and pick up a prize. What? Fun and prizes? Where do you sign up? Here. Right here. Go 'cold turkey' with Veganuary A big trend in January these days, and a complement to Dry Jan, is Veganuary. As the name suggests, this is the process of going vegan. In January. Simple, really. And a good palate cleanser after a month of work parties, the inevitable post-work party takeaways, and Christmas. You never know, you might like it so much you go Vegan full time? And boy, do you have a load to sink your teeth into. In West London, you've got the burgery delights of Dirty Bones, Wulf and Lamb, and The Gate. Head South for some streetfood delights like Ruby's (cupcakes), Gujarati Rasoi (curry), and Ethiopiques (Ethiopian). And up North, if you need something to tickle that sweet tooth, try Cookies and Scream, Doughnut Time and Vx. So, if you're in London and already doing Dry Jan, why not go all the way and try out Veganuary? Bowling for Sobriety While the modern London-based adult is used to playing kid-favourite activities while imbibing a pint or two, those activities still exist when you're sober. Surprising, we know. And while you might think inebriation improves your bowling game, face it, it does not. So why not take all your sober, sombre friends to one of London's many bowling alleys? There's the aforementioned Namco Funscape, of course. But if you looking for something a little different, why not check out QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl? Alongside the 12 pristine bowling alleys on offer, they also have the best all-year ice rink in London. And to top it all off, there's a MEATliquor on site. Just refrain from the latter offerings the name suggests, and you'll be dining on some of the best burgers around. Alternatively, check out All Star Lanes in Holborn and Brick Lane, or Bloomsbury Lanes in, well, Bloomsbury. The latter has private karaoke booths, if you feel like embarrassing yourself with no Dutch courage to back you up. Drink different at Old Truman Brewery's Mindful Drinking Festival Be honest, it's only days into January and already you're thinking about throwing in the towel. Your local is just around the corner. Sure, the beer is overpriced and pieces are missing from their ropey board game 'collection'. But it's your local. It's home. No! Stop that. You've come so far. Snap out of it. Fix the landing. And if you really need to scratch that itch, be mindful. And where better to do that thing than at Old Truman Brewery's Mindful Drinking Festival? It's presented by Club Soda, who pride themselves on helping to craft a world where non-drinkers feel right at home among their drinking brethren. Very inclusive. The festival plays host to the biggest and best non-alcoholic beverages on the market, now and in the future. Plus, it's free, so really, you have no excuse to go try some delicious, health-conscious tipples. You've got wines, beers, ciders, and more cocktails than you can shake a drunken stick at. So, no matter your poison, you're sure to find something much less poisonous to enjoy. Look out for Club Soda's Mindful Drinking Festival at Brick Lane's Old Truman Brewery from 18th-19th January. Go walk, talk, and cavort with the animals at London Zoo Here's a fun fact you may not know. Nearly all animals are alcoholics. So where better than to show off your new-found sobriety than at London Zoo? Now, come on. You know that fact isn't true. Only a few animals are alcoholics. Still, London Zoo is a veritable treasure trove of sober fun. You've got Penguin Beach, where you get to see the little munchkins get up to all sorts of shenanigans (with not a drop of alcohol in sight). There's Land of the Lions, which, yes, is where the lions prowl. Ever been face to face with a lion? No. This might be the closest you ever get. Hopefully. You could also take a wander through Butterfly Paradise, where the tiny wonders will flutter overhead, and maybe onto your head if you're lucky enough. Aww. Animals. Escape your zero-booze blues at one of the many escape rooms across the capital While being stuck in a small space with your soon-to-be-enemies might seem like anything but a hoot, you're wrong. Escape rooms have blown up over the past few years, with lots of them popping up across London. And since you and your motley crew will need your wits about you, well, what better time to play than Dry Jan? There's Modern Fables in Hackney, which pairs a retro 80's sci-fi aesthetic with some Lovecraftian leanings for a truly challenging experience. Or you could head over to Breakin' Escape Rooms in Holloway. They host rooms with different themes, such as a pirate ship or apace ship, and each has its own difficulty levels, so you can ramp up the challenge if you're feeling daring. And if you're a fan of BBC's Sherlock, why not check out Sherlock: The Game Is Now at Shepherd's Bush? The story? Everyone's favourite socially inept mastermind has gone missing while a crime wave is sweeping London. Your task? Find him. Because there's no way you could fix this mess alone. It's even written by the show's creators. So, expect an authentic Sherlock experience. Nourish your withered brain this Dry Jan at one of London's many museums When was the last time you actually learnt anything? A while, we'd bet. Well, fear not, friends! London has some of the best museums and exhibits on planet Earth. South Kensington especially is full of the marvellous learning behemoths. Of knowledge. Yes, those. You've got the Natural History Museum, famous for its dinosaur skeletons and massive whales. Then there's the Science Museum, which not only has a rich collection of scientific artefacts, but also its own IMAX theatre. Or pop over the road to the V&A, which has a couple of thought-provoking exhibitions on through January, like Cars: Accelerating the Modern World, and Tim Walker: Wonderful Things. And that's just South Ken. Further afield you have BODY WORLDS London, the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the Postal Museum, Churchill War Rooms, the Freud Museum, the Dickens Museum. And breathe. Whatever your interests, and wherever you are, you're bound to find a museum that suits you. And what better way to ponder history, and life, than stone-cold sober. You can do it. We believe in you. Go clubbing, but sober Yes, really. With wellness on the rise, many have taken to sober raves. Arguably pioneered by the Brixton event Morning Gloryville, the craze has even spread outside of London, and even over to Berlin. These days, there are plenty of similar events taking place, some even in the morning. Many see it as an alternative to a morning gym excursion, and why not? And what better way to sweat out all that Christmas/New Year's Eve regret than at a party. Morning Gloryville is now running sober raves every Wednesday morning from 6:30 - 10:30 at The Oval Space in East London. But if you'd rather work your sober raving around the working week, Urubu holds similar events on Saturday mornings from 8 - 10:30 in Vauxhall. And if you'd rather rave when the sun's gone down, We Are One Positivity Raves is the ticket. One Saturday a month they hold a sober rave from 7:30 until midnight in Camden. Good music, good vibes, and a workout to burn off those Christmas calories? Well, that sounds pretty good to us. Discover history And finally, we'll end with something a little obvious. London is one of the most historically rich cities around. Thousands of years of history seep out of it. Like tree sap, but filled with memories. It's no wonder then that it's the most visited city on the planet. Over 30 million people come to see the sights and sounds every single year. Why not join them? There are countless historical sites worth visiting in the capital. The Tower of London has been the backdrop for some of London's more grisly history. St. Paul's Cathedral is stunning, and an unmissable icon if you've never been. You could explore Henry VIII's home at Hampton Court Palace. There's Kensington Palace. The Royal Albert Hall. You could take a tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and see where some of the world's most famous stories were first told. Or take a wander around the wonderous Kew Gardens. You can see where we're going with this. There's too many to mention, and there's so much you have to see. And when better to get all your sightseeing in than during Dry Jan? At least it won't be interfering with your busy schedule. You know, of going down the pub on Friday night and then feeling terrible until Monday. So there you have it. Those are the best things to do in London in January for Dry Jan. Make the most of your clear-headed sobriety and try and fit them all in before Feb. Because, well, then you'll be back on it. Looking for even more to do over the month? Have a look here and here.
Dom Bewley
Blog

Interview with: Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is one of London’s most popular attractions situated in the leafy suburbs of Richmond, West London. We should give thanks to ‘mad’ King George III who, together with his wife Charlotte, commissioned Kew gardens to become what it is today. With 121 hectares, a glass house, lakes, tree walks and nature trails – it’s no wonder Kew Gardens is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular things to do in London. We spoke to Wesley Shaw, Palm House manager at Kew Gardens, to get more insight in what it’s really like behind-the-scenes at Kew and what it feels like to work in one of the best gardens in the world. What inspired you to work at Kew Gardens? Kew had the most diverse plant collection in the UK and for a gardener like me, who is naturally really into plants, it is just the best place to work. Kew contains the rarest and most unusual plants you are ever likely to come across. How long have you been working at Kew Gardens? Over eleven years now... Kew is a special place; there are some great people who work here and there’s a really great team effort. Why in your opinion, is Kew Gardens unlike any others of its kind in London? Kew Gardens is about the plants, of course; but it is more than that. We’ve got the science aspect of it and you have to appreciate all the research that goes on, too. In total, there’s the laboratory, we have art galleries and restaurants – the gardens come with the whole package. What do you think most attracts tourists and visitors to come to Kew Gardens? It’s obvious! Tourists come for the plants and to have a nice day out. Especially in the summer, everyone loves relaxing in the sun and enjoying everything Kew has to offer. How easy is it to maintain the gardens at Kew? It takes a lot of work. It takes a large workforce to keep everything looking good throughout the year. It is difficult and a challenge, but I think we all rise to it and do a pretty good job. Kew Gardens is made up of a number of different gardens - do you have a favourite and if so, why? I'd have to say the Palmhouse really, because that is my domain. The Palmhouse is Kew's iconic glasshouse, it is the one you see on all the pictures. It is the oldest of the glasshouses here at Kew, built back in 1844. Architecturally it is very important, it is a beautiful building home to a selection of tropical plants. Here we represent the habitat of a tropical rainforest. We keep the temperatures high and humid to grow plants from all over the tropics. We have a lot of important economic plants - so they would be things that people use every day in terms of medicine and clothes and food. Unlike other areas of the gardens, in the Palmhouse, we deal more with education than conservation. Conservation goes on behind the scenes, but with the plants in the garden, we try to tell visitors about the plants and how they are used so that people can both enjoy but learn about what they are experiencing. What plants or flowers do you plan to grow ahead of the summer season? The Palmhouse is really a static collection; it doesn't change that much. We have a seasonal display in the water lily house, which I also manage, but that’s more of a floral tropical display. What hints and tips are you asked by visitors who come to Kew Gardens? Working in the Palmhouse, we get lots of questions mainly about how to manage and grow house plants, so we always give people tips on the best way of doing that. There’s a lot of inspiration to be had from the Palmhouse. You must have had a few celebrity visitors at Kew Gardens? We've had Bradley Wiggins who did a photoshoot here in Kew. We've also had the top model, Lily Cole, come for a visit and Dido was here a few years ago. Because it’s not your typical garden, or park, there is so much going on here all the time – it always keeps things fresh and interesting. I suppose the last celebrity we had was James Cracknell doing a Question of Sport! Visit Kew Gardens for free with The London Pass - pay nothing and explore the huge gardens for the perfect family day out.
Vanessa Teo
Blog

Where to go for the best brunches in London

When in London, it’s mandatory to do a tour of London through both sight and taste, as we explored with our Dine by Borough post, previously. There are so many places to be explored from the city’s top attractions down to the best street-side eateries to combine the two for a tasty, sightseeing adventure. As we’re lapping up the rest of the summer sun and making the most of the long days, we’re getting up earlier and starting our days on a high; happy with full bellies. This month we’re all about the brunches. For a unique tour of London, why not munch your way around the capital with the city’s best brunch spots. From West to East, Central to Soho, there are plenty of eateries to choose from. Here are some of our favourite brunches (to suit every budget!): Chiltern Firehouse: ££££ Chiltern Firehouse is the place to be at the moment. If you’re au fait with the British celebrity scene, there isn’t anyone who hasn’t been papped at the Chiltern Firehouse recently, or who isn’t on the waiting list to get in. A pre-booking-is-essential kind of place, it’s truly worth it though as at brunch time pretences are dropped and all you’re left with is excellent service. At the weekends you can enjoy a tasty brunch from 11am-3pm – great for the late risers – and should the sun be shining and there be a table, you might be able to eat in the quaint courtyard outside, too. Tuck into simple dishes given a Chiltern flair and you’ll be guaranteed one of the best brunches in town. 1 Chiltern St, W1U 7PA – Marylebone tube www.chilternfirehouse.com The Wolseley: £££ One of London’s most loved, and longest-standing, institutions, The Wolseley is a must-do on your tour of London. Even if it’s just to have a slice of toast and a pot of Earl Grey, sit back and enjoy your first meal of the day in one of London’s most traditional and upper class establishments. From 7am-11.30am on weekdays, opening an hour later on the weekend, it’s the best place to go to kick off your day of sightseeing bright and early. From freshly baked sweet pastries to continental dishes, book your place now for a breakfast to remember. 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB – Green Park tube www.thewolseley.com/breakfast The Riding House Café: £££ Tucked away behind the bustling high street, Oxford Circus, in the quieter streets of central London, this place is great for those after a spot of shopping. The Riding House Café is a hot spot for locals and those in-the-know, with breakfast kicking off at 7.30am on weekdays, served until midday, and 8.30am on the weekends, until 11.30am. If you're after more than that, you can also tuck into a brunch specific menu which runs until 3.30pm and 4pm respectively. It’s great for the healthy eaters, too, with a wide range of granolas and energising smoothies for an all-natural pick-me-up. 43-51 Great Titchfield St, W1W 7PQ – Oxford Circus tube www.ridinghousecafe.co.uk Muriel’s Kitchen: ££ Right in the heart of town, Muriel’s Kitchen is London’s answer to a hearty American-style brunch without the grease. Tuck into wedge-thick blueberry pancakes and maple syrup, or try an open sandwich with scrambled eggs, avocado and bacon. There’s a huge choice and something to suit everyone, especially those with a sweet tooth. With a variety of smoothies and milkshakes, too, think hearty American breakfasts with a Cath Kidston country-feel. Muriel’s is family friendly and a safe bet for the kids – no need to book either, brunch is served until 1pm Mon-Sat, or 2pm on Sundays. Soho - 36 - 38 Old Compton Street, W1D 4TT – Leicester Square tube South Kensington - 1-3 Pelham Street, SW7 2nd – South Kensington tube Leicester Square - 7-9 Leicester Square, WC2H 7NA – Leicester Square tube http://www.murielskitchen.co.uk/home Gail’s Artisan Bakery: ££ For those on-the-go Gail’s Bakery is the perfect answer. No need to book, there are a handful of Gail’s dotted around London from Goodge Street to Queen's Park so you’re more than likely to bump into one on your travels. Its artisan-ethos means most things are organic and freshly made that day; it’s basically London’s homemade step up from Starbucks. You can either sit down or take away and enjoy freshly brewed coffee, a variety of herbal teas and flavoured breads, muffins and a wide range of hot food, too. Most Londoners can locate their nearest within 5miles and it’s a great alternative for those who don’t want to splash too much cash. Barnes, Battersea, Belsize Park, Bloomsbury, Chiswick, Crouch End, Dulwich Village, Exmouth Market, Fulham Road, Hampstead, King’s Road, Notting Hill, Queen’s Park, Soho, South Kensington, St John’s Wood http://gailsbread.co.uk/
Vanessa Teo

Have a 10% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

  • Thick check Icon